Conditional

Sentences
What is conditional?
A conditional sentence is based on the word “if”.

Two parts:
1st part (Condition clause):
• describe a possible situation
• Starts with “IF”
2nd part (Result clause):
• describes the consequence Drink coffee at night Can’t sleep
First Conditional Condition clause: if + present simple
Result clause: will / won’t + main verb

We use the First Conditional to talk about future

situations we think are likely or probable to happen.

If it rains tomorrow, we won't go camping.

If you drop that glass, it will break.

If you pay attention, you may see a shooting star.

If I have the time, I will finish that letter.

Second Conditional Condition clause: if + past simple
Result clause: would / wouldn’t + verb

We use the Second Conditional to talk about present

or future situations we think are impossible or
unlikely to happen.

I might work harder if they paid me better.

If you really wanted to help, you would be trying harder.

If you studied harder, you could do better at school.

If I were* you, I'd tell my parents the truth.

*We use "were" with all subject pronouns in the Second Conditional (Subjunctive mood).
Third Conditional Condition clause: If + past perfect (had + past
participle)
Result clause: would (not) have + past participle

We use the Third Conditional to imagine a different

past, in which something did or didn't happen, and we
also imagine a different result.

You wouldn't have cut your head if you had been wearing a
safety helmet.

If I hadn't lost my job, I could have been promoted.

If she had seen anything, she would have told the police.
 Notes

The use of the comma

When the if clause comes before the main clause, it is

followed by a comma.
If you don't hurry, you'll miss the plane!

When the if clause comes after the main clause, there

is no comma between the clauses.
You'll miss the plane if you don't hurry!
 Summary

First Second Third

possible or likely to imaginary or less likely imaginary or

Condition
happen to happen impossible

Result future present or future past

 Let’s try!

If I knew where she lived, I would go and see her. 2nd conditional sentence

If you don’t drop the gun, I’ll shoot! 1st conditional sentence

If you heat ice, it melts. 1st conditional sentence

If you studied harder, you would have become 3rd conditional sentence
an engineer.
 Happy
learning!
Let’s try!